Medicare history

From Regina, a documentary about the controversy swirling around free medical care. The early days of Canada's medicare program were not easy, and some thought it was a communist plot. But Tommy Douglas helped pave the way for a program that many believe helps make Canada a great place in which to live.

In the FieldMental HealthMay 4, 2014 | 52:59This is Mental Health Week here in Canada. On today’s show, we have three documentaries: all of them which explore different aspects of a subject which is all too often taboo.

In the FieldWorking the streetsJan 4, 2015 | 53:58A day, and night, in the lives of two veteran Halifax pan-handlers. Pioneering women taxi drivers in the streets of Delhi. PLUS "Spare change" - do you give yours to people on the street?

In the FieldMusicMay 11, 2014 | 52:59On this episode, stories of music. You'll meet Tom Schilling, Broadway vocal coach now living in Hamilton; a group of German refugees who tell their story through music; and the musical passion of Montreal singer Betty Bonifassi.

In the FieldThe Big CJun 22, 2014 | 52:59Two inspiring stories about fighting cancer: the amazing Dr. C in St. John's and two big-hearted strangers who stepped into the life of a mother suffering from cancer.
Dr. Joshi was on top of the world in the fall of 2013.

In the FieldLions and Whales and Bears, Oh My!Apr 20, 2014 | 52:53An animal-centric hour of documentaries featuring a first-hand encounter with a whale, a lion-saving invention and a Northern Ontario owl prowl. And dogs. Lots of dogs.

In the FieldTooker GombergJul 10, 2012 | 27:28In part two of this episode. Tooker Gomberg was an Edmonton bicycle crusader, environmentalist, would-be-mayor of Toronto, sunflower lover and activist extraordinaire.With Angela Bischoff, his partner of 17 years, Tooker went about trying to change the world until he flamed out and tumbled into a deep depression.Not long ago, family friends, family and fellow rabble rousers gathered to mark the 8th anniversary of his death.

In the FieldOur Raylene Rankin tribute (Season's best)Jan 1, 2013 | 54:00Today's special encore holiday episode features a documentary on the late Raylene Rankin. Before her untimely death in the autumn of 2012 Rankin secured her place in the Canadian pop music pantheon with her gorgeous performances of hits like All The Diamonds and Rise Again. In interviews recorded just months before her death, Rankin talks frankly about her career, her family and her hopes and fears for the future.

In the FieldJune 16, 2013Jun 16, 2013 | 54:00We are calling this show Tsuk Ekanum...which is Chinook for "water stories". UBC journalism students report on the importance of water in aboriginal communities. Guest host Duncan McCue

In the FieldKeeping native languages alive in the cityJun 19, 2012 | 24:58In part one of this episode. It's no secret that many First Nation bands are struggling to keep the languages alive on the reserves across Canada. But what about in the city? Many aboriginal people choose to live off reserve in cities like Calgary. Desirae Desnomie (Deh-NO-mee) is trying to preserve her Cree language and culture in an urban setting.

In the FieldWorkplace Bully (May 2012 Encore)Jul 31, 2012 | 27:29Later on In the Field.We know there are bullies on the school ground, and we know who they're picking on. It's the small kids, the new kids, the ones who don't speak English so well. The ones who don't have support from their peers. In the workplace, we know there are bullies too, that's no surprise to anyone. But you might be surprised to hear how often it happens. And it might be a big surprise to hear who's getting bullied.

In the FieldFighting Student Apathy (August 2012 Encore)Aug 14, 2012 | 27:28In part two of this episode. In Moncton, a couple of teachers were at wits end. When they looked around their classroom they saw groggy teenagers spending their free time typing the most mundane details of their lives into a laptop, or a smart-phone. Updating their friends about how long it took to brush their hair this morning, or what they had for supper. Those two teachers decided they were going to fight back against student apathy.

In the FieldHealing Power of MusicSep 11, 2012 | 24:58David has the story of how a Calgary Alzheimer patient is being helped by taking up the accordion again. A dynamic program called "Blueprint for Life" is helping Inuit youth at risk through hip hop.